Sugar-Free Applesauce Recipe

Kids like applesauce. Correction, kids love applesauce. It’s a special treat, and one of my go-to foods if my kids are sick. When I started making my own applesauce, I looked up recipes online, but I wasn’t a fan of most of the recipes I saw. Why all the sugar? Apples have plenty of sugar in them already, and cooking them makes them taste even sweeter. So I make my applesauce without any added sweetener, and my kids don’t miss it at all.

The trick here is to pick naturally sweeter and flavourful varieties of apples. Favourites around here include Jazz and Honeycrisp. I like to use up old apples that may be softening, and some stores may even sell these apples at a discount. They may not be ideal for eating, but they’re just perfect for making applesauce!

I throw my peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a big pot over medium heat. I add a bit of water so they don’t burn, then I let them simmer away over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to fall apart around the edges.

Once they’re done cooking, I add the traditional cinnamon. I like to add some ground ginger too, a little bit of vanilla, and some lemon juice to brighten it up.

Applesauce is kind of like peanut butter. Some people like it smooth, others like it chunky. We like it chunky, so I mash the cooked apples with a potato masher until the applesauce is the consistency we like. If you prefer it smooth, just puree it in your food processor. Either way, as soon as you eat that first spoonful I think you’ll agree that adding sugar is unnecessary.

Pair this with a classic pork chop or stir it into your morning oatmeal. My personal favourite way to eat applesauce is warm and served over vanilla ice cream. Mmm, oh that’s heaven in a bowl right there!

I really like how there is vanilla extract in this recipe. This is so wholesome & brings out that natural sweetness of the apples. My son eats store-bought applesauce all the time & I am trying to reduce his sugar & fats intake so this would be beneficial for us.

Welcome! I'm a social worker, wife, and mom to two little girls living on the beautiful West Coast of Canada. Join me as I talk about family life, natural parenting, paleo/allergy-friendly recipes, and living life a little greener. I love sharing my finds too, so stay tuned for great reviews and giveaways!